Bengals' second-half woes against in-state rival Boise State lead to first loss of the season

The Idaho State women’s soccer team lived up to all its newfound esteem for more than a half at in-state rival Boise State Friday night.

But then the harsh reality set in.

The Bengals, who started off the season with a win and a tie against two other formidable opponents on the road to rise to eighth in the regional coaches poll this week, appeared poised for another favorable result. They went into the locker room tied with the Broncos 1-1 at the half.

“It was a brilliant performance by our young team in the first half. ... showing what we felt was a great last 20 to 25 minutes to end the half,” said ISU head coach Dustin Downey.

But ISU gave up two goals in the final 22 minutes to suffer its first loss of the year, 3-1.

After Boise State's Carly Cross scored the game's first goal in the 11th minute, the Bengals (1-1-1) answered right before the break. Sophomore midfielder Payton Reed knotted the game in the 35th minutes off an assist from fellow sophomore Isabella Winton.

But then the Broncos responded in the second half with goals by Grace Sommers and Cross again in the 68th and 88th minutes, respectively.

“In the second half, it felt we got out-experienced with their veteran team turning up the pressure a notch,” said Downey. “Playing against a veteran team of that nature proved to be very challenging for our younger squad. However, we continue to have some great performances from our team. Last night, I thought our senior, Taylin Butterbaugh, showed very well in her defensive efforts. Payton Reed scored her first goal. Freshman Camille Kollar continues to be a mainstay for us, and a player who’s played every minute of all three matches.”

Boise State outshot the Bengals, 18-6, and 12-2 on goal. ISU goalie Trinity Hale, coming off a Big Sky Conference defensive player of the week honor, gave up her first three goals of the season. She registered four saves in the contest. Boise State had eight corner kicks to ISU’s two.

“We’ve played three quality opponents to kickstart our season, all on the road, and we’re 1-1-1,” said Downey. “I’m very pleased with our team’s effort in all three matches, and I like where we’re headed.”

The Bengals will play their first home game Wednesday, when they host Oregon State at 6 p.m. at Davis Field. The Beavers lost their season opener to Montana of the Big Sky, 3-0, in Missoula.

“Next week has turned out to be Oregon State week for ISU athletics,” said Downey, noting the ISU football team opens its season in Corvallis on Saturday. “I want ISU soccer to kick things off right with another win and get the ball rolling for ISU football next weekend. And, I’d love to see Pocatello show out to Davis Field for our opening match to what this 2024 team can do."